Ancient lead coffin found in Leeds – believed to have belonged to Roman nobles

A previously undiscovered burial site at Carport is estimated to date back to the 4th century AD, the same century as the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.

According to archaeologist David Hunter, the coffin’s lead fittings are rare, suggesting that the woman buried in it was high in the social hierarchy.

– This is the body of a high-ranking Roman, he says CNN.

Archaeologists The remains of 62 others have been found, 20 of them children. Personal possessions such as knives, jewelery and pottery have also been found.

The way people were buried varied, suggesting that some of them were Romans and others were Saxons. Archaeologists hope the burial will provide new knowledge about the period when the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms began to form.

– David Hunter says it may be of great importance to our understanding of ancient Britain.

– It is unusual for two different communities to use the same burial ground and whether or not they are connected to each other will determine how significant this discovery is.

There is work Excavation manager Kylie Buxton’s career was a highlight, she says in one Press release.

– It is every archaeologist’s dream to go on a dig at least once in a lifetime.

– There is always a chance to find burial sites, but finding a burial site of this importance, from a medieval period, is highly improbable.

She is supported by David Hunter.

– The lead coffin alone is extremely rare, so this is a truly extraordinary find.

– We got more than we expected.

The discovery was already made last spring, but is only now being made public because archaeologists had to work in the area without interruption. The exact location remains a secret, but according to Leeds officials, late Roman buildings have previously been documented nearby.

Objects and remains can now be accurately dated using the carbon-14 method. Once the analysis is complete, it is hoped the lead urn will go on display at Leeds City Museum.